United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

OCHA Logo 2014

What is OCHA?

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is responsible for bringing together humanitarian organizations and Governments to ensure a rapid and coherent response to emergencies around the world.

 

How does OCHA deliver its mandate?

OCHA Icon coordinationCOORDINATION: OCHA brings people and organizations together to minimize duplication in humanitarian response. This means that more people can be helped and more lives saved. OCHA also helps Governments to better prepare for and respond to crises. We also deploy rapid-response teams and work with partners to assess needs and take the required action.

OCHA Icon policyPOLICY: OCHA identifies and analyses trends in humanitarian action and helps develop policies based on human rights, international law and humanitarian principles that promote effective humanitarian response.

 

OCHA icon advocacyADVOCACY: OCHA raises awareness of the plight of people affected by conflict and disaster. We do so publicly and behind the scenes in conflict situations. Our advocacy with Governments and non-state armed groups helps to get assistance to people in need so that they can be assisted and protected.

OCHA Icon IMINFORMATION MANAGEMENT: OCHA collects, analyses and shares information to support more informed decision-making and planning in humanitarian crises.

 

OCHA Icon financingHUMANITARIAN FINANCING: Through the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and country-based pooled funds, OCHA provides rapid humanitarian funding. OCHA’s financial tracking system also helps to monitor humanitarian donations from more than 130 countries, and OCHA’s advocacy and fundraising efforts support the response efforts of a range of humanitarian partners.

OCHA Brussels Liaison Office (BLO)

Established in 2007, BLO liaises with the European Union, NATO and Alliance Members, United Nations agencies, NGOs, think tanks and academic institutions based in Brussels.

The office monitors policy debates and participates in discussions on policy development, operational crisis response and on funding priorities. BLO contributes to discussions on political and military planning, particularly to ensure attention to humanitarian strategies and respect for humanitarian principles. It also supports OCHA’s participation in high-level events with the aim of achieving consensus on humanitarian issues and strengthening the analysis on humanitarian trends.

Furthermore, BLO provides information on humanitarian crises to strengthen OCHA’s relationships with partners, facilitates dialogue on issues of common concern, including on protection of civilians, International Humanitarian Law, Civil-Military Coordination, humanitarian financing.

OCHA Website

http://www.unocha.org/

Contact details

For further information, please contact:

OCHA Liaison Office in Brussels

Rue Montoyer 14
B-1000 Brussels
Tel: (+32) 02 213 82 90
E-mail: [email protected]